Below are the program goals for children in our Preschool Program. Generally by the end of this stage, children may be able to do the following:
Emotional Development

Dress and undress self with assistance in some areas, such as tying, snapping and buttoning
Care for own possessions and those belonging to the group most of the time
Place some toys, materials, etc., in their proper places without constant reminders
Learn and accept new routines and changes
Deal with emotions in a developmentally appropriate way, most of the time
Respond to redirection from staff in a constructive way, most of the time

Social Development & Living

Understand and participate as a cooperative member of a small group, most of the time
Share toys and equipment, most of the time
Make the choice between working alone and in groups and be able to do both at different times
Cooperate in some group activities and projects
Categorize people, places, events and objects in terms of whether they belong at child care or home
Identify various kinds of transportation
Understand and participate in the celebration of some national holidays

Use scissors and cut simple patterns
Use small paint brushes and narrow line markers
Glue or paste small objects in simple patterns
Copy a triangle
Assemble an 8-11 piece puzzle

Cognitive Development/Concept Development

Recognize basic colors: red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, white, brown and black
Identify similarities and differences of common objects on the basis of color
In addition to identifying a circle, square and triangle, identify a rectangle
Determine relative size of three objects in terms of big, bigger, biggest and small, smaller, smallest
Identify similarities and differences of common objects according to their size and shape
Develop an awareness of our five senses
Follow a sequence of at least three directions

Verbal and Written Language

Recognize and say personal information such as home address and telephone number
Give simple directions
Make up a story
Tell a version of a familiar story (e.g. The Three Bears, etc.)
Speak in complete sentences
Follow simple instructions
Ask for help when needed
Incorporate new words learned into everyday vocabulary (e.g. from curriculum and daily living, etc.)
Name basic objects and ideas that are important to daily routine (e.g. bathroom, front door, etc.)

Reading Readiness & Literature

Name some letters of the alphabet (e.g. upper and lower case)
Recognize some sight words in environment (e.g. stop, exit, etc.)
Listen and enjoy being read to
Answer basic content questions about stories a child has heard
Relate the endings of familiar stories (e.g. Peter Rabbit, etc.)
Name and tell about characters in stories
Recite one or two simple poems or rhymes
Relate basic cause and effect from a story child has heard

Science

Participate in planting seeds and caring for growing plants
Learn about some basic changes, such as ice melting, water boiling
Construct simple structures using blocks and other building materials
Experience and talk about weather changes in a simple way (e.g. clouds and rain, cold and snow,etc.)
Practice basic habits for good health (e.g. wash hands, brush teeth, blow nose, etc.)
Help prepare and tell about healthy foods

Premath Skills

Rote count from 1-20
Recognize most numerals from 1-10
Set enough snacks or other objects on a table for at least eight children
Identify sets of 0 to 5 objects
Identify objects in terms of relative size (e.g. bigger than, smaller than or same size as)
Match a number of objects to corresponding items

Art, Music & Movement

Use and care for various art materials, including crayons, paste, chalk, clay, finger paints, paint and pencils
Use additional art techniques, including drawing, collage, painting, printmaking and simple construction
Use simple art forms to entertain self and others (e.g. movement, painting, drama, etc.)
Talk about how various songs make him/her feel (e.g. sad, happy, etc.)
Participate in a variety of music activities
Use free-form movement and/or exercise in response to music